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ACTCM LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
http://www.actcm.edu
October, 2017 [email protected] _________________________________________ ____________________________________________
NEWLY ACQUIRED BOOKS
The Acupuncturist's Guide to Conventional Medicines by Clare Stephenson; Singing
Dragon, 2017
Offering a systematic comparative approach to Western and Eastern medicine, this unique
textbook enables students and practitioners of Chinese medicine to develop a core
understanding of conventional medical language and treatments.
Acupuncture practitioners increasingly find themselves working alongside Western
healthcare professionals. Now in its second edition, this book is a guide to conventional
medical diagnoses, symptoms and treatments, and using examples drawn from the
author's experience and knowledge of TCM it encourages reflection on how these
diagnoses may be interpreted from a more holistic medical perspective. It includes
introductory sections on physiology, pathology and pharmacology, chapters devoted to
the physiological systems of the body and the conventional approach to the treatment of
diseases that can affect them, and information on dealing with patients in practice.
Accompanying online material, including self-testing questions and answers and
checklists for revision, is available for those wishing to use the text for systematic study.
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Acupuncture Points Handbook: A Patient's Guide to the Locations and Functions of
over 400 Acupuncture Points by Deborah Bleecker; Draycott Publishing, 2017.
Did you ever wonder how acupuncture works? This book strips away the mystery. Each
acupuncture point has unique functions, which are explained in plain English for the non-
acupuncturist.
How to do acupressure effectively to treat yourself.
Acupuncture treats pain, stress, fatigue, emotional disorders, insomnia, digestive
problems, and many internal disorders.
Illustrated Tung's Acupuncture Points (2nd Edition) by Wei Chieh Young; American
Chinese Cultural Center, 2016.
This book contains more than 200 color photos of point locations, as well as a limited
listing of indications. The author created this map to make it easier for the reader to
correctly locate Tung's points. Each point is identified individually and also in relation to
additional Tung points. The Editor's Note: We have created this book to make it easier for
the reader to correctly locate Tung's acupuncture points. There is a list of codes and
names in English above each chart. The order of the charts is created according to the
original Tung's Acupuncture Chinese edition. The English versions for the finger point
11.00 and toe point 55.00 are slightly different than their Chinese counterparts. All other
points are in numerical order according to the Chinese edition. The purpose of this book
helps readers correctly identify the location of each point, as well as their indications. For
further application of these points, please refer to Tung's Acupuncture book. This book is
designed to assist readers in the precise location of each point. Each point is identified
singularly and also in relation to other Tung points. Use both charts to correctly locate
Tung's Acupuncture points for accurate identification of each point.
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The Essential Acupuncturists Guide to Head & Neck Pai: Effictively Treat Migraines,
Hormonal HA, TMJ, Sinus problems, Cluster HA and Much Much More (2nd. edition)
by Brad Whisnant; CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.
This book is loaded with clinical pearls that are time tested and patient approved. Who
doesn’t want happier and healthier patients? Better outcomes? Less “poking and
praying”? Instant results? All the answers are here. Step by step instructions with points,
theory, images, examples and case studies. If you have patients that have headaches or
any problem from the neck up? You NEED this book! Master Tung, I Ching, Balance
method are interwoven and explained to give you maximum healing ability! This is a
clinic changer for you and your patients.
Xuanyuan Auricular Acupuncture and Clinical Applications by Yifang Tian;
FriesenPress, 2017.
This book introduces the complete Xuanyuan auricular Jingluo system and the 50-
meridian differentiation pattern. This pattern enables practitioners to differentiate, and
then utilize, 50 meridians in their clinical practice, augmenting the 14-meridian pattern
that has been used since the Yuan dynasty. Throughout the book, the author has created
the images of the Xuanyuan auricular Jingluo system, illustrating the origin of meridians
in the ear, the direction of the energy flow of meridians, and the connection between the
ear and macro (body) meridians. Included are images of the big Collateral of the Spleen,
the Jiaji Mai, the Chong Mai, and the Collaterals of Du Mai, Ying-qi, and Wei-qi, which
have never before been delineated. The clinical applications for various illness and
disorders, as well as challenging problems facing modern patients, are explained in
Chapters 3 and 4, with step-by-step guidelines to master the clinical approach and
treatment. In summary, this book represents an innovative development in Traditional
Chinese Medicine and in the Jingluo system as outlined in the classic texts of the Nei Jing
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and Nan Jing.
Chinese Medicine in Cancer Care: Herbs-Acupuncture-Qi gong-Nutrition-Prevention
by Niko Trian; CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and rich experiences in treating
tumors and malignancies. The TCM-based treatment can significantly alleviate the
clinical symptoms and improve the quality of life. The fundamental purpose of TCM
treatment for tumors is not only to attack them, but to restore the balance of the internal
environment, enhancing the antipathogen capability, so as to inhibit the growth and
metastasis of tumors. The idea is to keep a balance in the treatment principles: Attack the
cancer- Clear the toxins- Reinforce vital energy This is the only book that covers with
accuracy all the aspects of Chinese Medicine in cancer care: herbs, acupuncture, qi gong,
nutrition, prevention. It also points out what is wrong with the Western medical approach
about cancer.
The Black Book of Micro Acupuncture 48: Forty-Eight New Acupuncture Points to
Unleash the Power of Healing by Andy Rosenfarb; Dog Ear Publishing, LLC, 2017.
Acupuncture has been used to treat and prevent disease for over 4,000 years. By
revealing strengths and weaknesses affected by genetics, emotions, environmental and
lifestyle factors, doctors of Chinese Medicine can help patients achieve long and healthy
lives. After decades of clinical experience and treating thousands of patients using the
Micro Acupuncture 48 system, Dr. Rosenfarb introduced this highly effective
acupuncture system to the acupuncture community to make the method more widely
available for patients in need. As a world-renown expert in treating pain and ophthalmic
diseases, he has written The Black Book of Micro Acupuncture 48 to explain the theory
and clinical applications behind the Micro Acupuncture 48 system and to help the
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practitioner to understand and correct underlying factors that drive the pain and
dysfunction the people experience.
Additionally, Dr. Rosenfarb describes Micro Acupuncture 48’s ophthalmic applications
for degenerative eyes conditions like macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa,
glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy - including case studies for the practitioners benefit.
Invisible Rainbow: A Physicist's Introduction to the Science behind Classical Chinese
Medicine by Changlin Zhang with Jonathan Heaney; North Atlantic Books, 2016
Changlin Zhang provides a scientific basis for the success behind alternative therapies
such as acupuncture, qigong, Ayurveda, and other traditional therapies in an illuminating
discussion that explains the efficacy of these approaches in treating a number of chronic
conditions. Underlining how public perception of acupuncture has shifted over the last
few decades from one of skepticism to one of acceptance, he explores the progression of
acupuncture research from its unsuccessful beginnings to the ultimate discovery of a
scientific basis for therapies centered on the subtle coherence patterns of interacting
electromagnetic waves and fields. He explains the dissipative structure of electromagnetic
waves that constitutes our electromagnetic body and describes how changes in our mood,
lifestyle, and environment affect it.
Invisible Rainbow explains these developments within the context of science's parallel
development from its nineteenth-century focus on materialism, reductionism, and closed
systems to its realization of the mass-energy equivalence, electromagnetic field, and its
study of open complex systems. Discussing differences in Eastern and Western thought
traditions and how they influence their respective medical systems, it also elucidates
acupuncture's meridian system and Ayurveda's chakras and auras.
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The Birth of Acupuncture in America by Steven Rosenblatt & Keith Kirts; Balboa
Press, 2016
The Birth of Acupuncture in America: The White Crane's Gift is the first accessible and
entertaining introduction to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for the
ordinary reader. A basic overview of the field that has long been missing--a short and
readable, but authoritative guidebook that thousands of Americans who rely on
acupuncture have always wanted. Even better, its author is the actual founder of this field
in the U.S., Dr. Steven Rosenblatt.
Among its many virtues, The Birth of Acupuncture is a narration of the story of Dr. Ju
Gim Shek. As revealed in this book for the first time, Dr. Ju was a real-life medical hero,
a deeply devoted teacher who first brought the gift of acupuncture and Chinese medicine
to America. Beginning with a chance meeting in 1968, Dr. Ju passed his knowledge to the
author, Steven Rosenblatt--who he affectionately called -the Chairman---and to a handful
of other students. This small group of bold pioneers was the first -graduating class- in a
field that has now grown to 18,000 licensed practitioners in the U.S.
Primal Walk by Greg Shim; CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017.
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Human beings are designed to walk, but somewhere along the evolutionary trail, we
forgot how to walk well. We don’t move the way our ancestors did. While they walked
tall, we slouch. While they walked with their chins in and their chests held high, we have
become a nation of swaybacks.
Our poor posture and gait damage our skeletal structure and joints, reducing our stability
and strength. Even our mindfulness and sense of well-being suffer, all because we walk
incorrectly.
In Primal Walk, licensed acupuncturist Greg Shim, LAc, MEd, teaches us how to walk
the way nature intended. While modern humans walk with a heel strike, toes pointing up
with each step, Shim proves we should be walking with a forefoot strike—the same
graceful motion used by professional runners.
Using the forefoot walk as a foundation, Shim explains how to hold yourself while
walking and how to break the debilitating habit of heel-strike walking.
Proper posture burns more calories, increases core strength, protects your joints, and
improves blood circulation to the calves, as well as encouraging mindfulness and a sense
of calm.
Learn to walk in your ancestors’ footsteps, and free yourself from the swayback nation.
Acupuncture Revolution: The Science and Healing Power of Acupuncture by Janet
Humphrey, BalboaPress, 2015.
*Does acupuncture work, and if so, how? * Is there scientific research to validate
acupuncture's effects? * What are its benefits? * Can children be treated with
acupuncture? * Does it replace or complement conventional Western medicine? * Does
acupuncture really help with fertility? * What does acupuncture treat and how can you
use it for your health? Acupuncture, highlighted for its ability to relieve pain, remains a
mystery to most of us in the West. Originating in ancient China over two-thousand years
ago, it's in need of a contemporary explanation for today's patients. How can placing
small needles in different parts of the body lead to healing?
Many common ailments are the result of long-standing imbalances: pain, fatigue, chronic
sinus congestion, allergies, infertility, diabetes, high blood pressure, and digestive
problems. Learn how acupuncture effectively treats the source of these symptoms,
helping your body heal itself.
Acupuncture Revolution provides the bridge between the ancient practice of acupuncture
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and modern medicine, and shows you how to use it-along with other forms of treatment-
for your health. Holistic health care is not the rejection of conventional Western
medicine; it is learning to use multiple approaches, each in the right way and at the right
time, to support your health and wellness. The unique ability of acupuncture to restore
balance and promote self-healing makes it an ideal complement to Western medicine.
Learn where acupuncture comes from, how it views illness, what we know about it
scientifically, what conditions it treats, how it heals and how to use it together with
conventional medicine.
ARTICLE ABSTRACTS
“Colon Hydrotherapy plus Traditional Chinese Medicine to Treat Non-alcoholic
Fatty Liver Disease: a Pilot Study” Xiao Huanming, et al; The Journal of Traditional
Chinese Medicine, 37(3): 393-396, 2017
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the potential to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) with colon hydrotherapy (CHT) plus Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
METHODS: A total of 20 patients were enrolled into the study and received CHT with
TCM for 2 weeks. Body mass index (BMI) and levels of serum triglycerides (TG) and
total cholesterol (TC) were compared between pre-treatment and post-treatment.
RESULTS: Two-week treatment with CHT plus TCM significantly lowered BMI and
reduced blood lipids. BMI decreased from 29.5 ± 4.3 to 25.4 ± 1.0, while mean TG levels
decreased by 0.70 mmol/L on average from baseline and mean TC levels decreased by
0.37 mmol/L. Forty-five percent of patients exhibited TC decreasing by more than 10%
from baseline and 25% of patients exhibited TC decreasing by more than 20%. Sixty
percent of patients exhibited TG decreasing by more than 20% and 20% of patients
exhibited TG decreasing by more than 40%. However, high-density and low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not change ignificantly after intervention. No serious
adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CHT plus TCM to treat NAFLD is promising
and it might be a new treatment strategy for management of NAFLD.
“Xiyanping Injection Therapy for Children with Mild Hand Foot and Mouth
Disease: a Randomized Controlled Trial” Zhang Guoliang, et al; The Journal of
Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37(3): 397-403, 2017
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of Xiyanping injection intervention in
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pediatric patients with mild hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
METHODS: A total of 329 patients were stratified and block-randomized for
symptomatic treatment of HFMD and assigned to one of the following groups: Western
Medicine (group A, n = 103), Xiyanping injection (group B, n = 109), or Xiyanping
injection and symptomatic treatment using Western Medicine (group C, n = 117). During
the trial, fever, rash, ulcers of the mouth were observed among participants in each group
before and after treatment, and conversion rates from mild to severe HFMD were
measured.
RESULTS: After 3-7 days' treatment, no significant differences in the conversion rates
from mild to severe HFMD were observed among the three groups (P > 0.05). There was
a significantly low number of patients with the onset time of antifebrile effect, vanished
time of hand and foot rashes and cumulative time for the ulcers in the mouth vanished,
among the three groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The onset time of antifebrile effect of
patients in groups B and C were markedly shorter compared with those in group A (P <
0.05, P < 0.01); there was no statically significant difference observed between groups B
and C (P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the time for body
temperature recovery among the three groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant
differences in adverse effects among the three groups (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Xiyanping injection together with use of Western Medicine is most
effective for symptomatic treatment of mild HFMD. No severe adverse reactions were
observed.
“Prescriptions from Traditional Chinese Medicine Compared with Salbutamol and
Montelukast for the Treatment of Pediatric Asthma: a Randomized Controlled
Trial” Du Hui, et al; The Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37(4): 522-529,
2017
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of a series of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
empirical prescriptions with salbutamol and montelukast (SM) in children with asthma.
METHODS: A total of 182 children with asthma were randomized into the TCM group
(n = 97) or SM group (n = 85). Patients in the TCM group were treated with a series of
TCM prescriptions, whereas those in the SM group received salbutamol and montelukast;
both groups received their respective treatment for 12 weeks. Asthma control, changes in
scores of TCM symptom patterns, and asthma symptom control (SC) scores after
treatment were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS: A higher percentage of patients in the TCM group had asthma control
compared with those in the SM group (91.67% and 76.83%, respectively, P = 0.006).
Scores for abnormal feces (P <0.001), hyperhidrosis (P < 0.001), and tongue appearance
(P = 0.001) in the TCM group were significantly better than those in the SM group.
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However, the total scores of TCM symptom patterns and SC scores did not differ
significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Compared with Salbutamol and Montelukast, the TCM prescriptions
tested were better for symptom control in children with asthma.
“Heyan Kuntai Capsule versus Dehydroepiandrosterone in Treating Chinese
Patients with Infertility Caused by Diminished Ovarian Reserve: a Multicenter,
Randomized Controlled Trial” Gao Hui, et al; The Journal of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, 37(4): 530-537, 2017
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Heyan Kuntai capsule
(HYKT) in treating women with infertility caused by diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
METHODS: One hundred eight eligible patients from three Chinese hospitals were
randomly divided into an HYKT treatment group (n = 55) or a dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA) treatment group (n =53). Patients in the HYKT group were treated orally with
four 0.5 g HYKT three times a day; patients in the DHEA group were treated with one
25.0 mg DHEA capsule three times a day. All patients were treated for 3 months and
followed up over a 3-month period.
RESULTS: Of 108 patients, 12 dropped out: six from the HYKT group, and six from the
DHEA group. Eleven patients got pregnant during the treatment. Serum anti-Müllerian
hormone levels and antral follicle counts increased significantly in both groups after
treatment (P < 0.05) especially in the HYKT group (P < 0.05). Serum follicle stimulating
hormone (FSH) levels and FSH/luteinizing hormone ratios decreased (P < 0.05) with no
significant difference between the two groups. Estradiol levels in the HYKT group and
DHEA-sulfate levels in the DHEA group both increased (P < 0.05). The spontaneous
pregnancy rates were 12% and 11% in the HYKT and DHEA groups, respectively (not
significant). During the follow-up period, 16 patients in the HYKT group underwent in
vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and the number of retrieved oocytes was (5.1
± 1.8). In DHEA group, 20 patients underwent IVF-ET and the number of retrieved
oocyte was (4.2 ± 1.9) (not significant); clinical pregnancy rates were 38% in the HYKT
group and 20% in DHEA group (not significant). No significant adverse reactions were
observed.
CONCLUSION: HYKT can improve the ovarian reserve and hormone levels in patients
with infertility caused by DOR. Pregnancy rates after HYKT treatment were similar to
those of DHEA treatment. HYKT might be an alternative to the treatment of infertility
caused by DOR.
“Effect of Warming Moxibustion Tianshu (ST 25, bilateral) and Qihai (CV 6) for
the Treatment of Diarrhea-Dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Patient-blinded
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Pilot Trial with Orthogonal Design” Yang Ling, et al; The Journal of Traditional
Chinese Medicine, 37(4): 538-545, 2017
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of warming moxibustion Tianshu (ST 25,
bilateral) and Qihai (CV6) in patients with diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome
(D-IBS) by assessing predominant factors, and determining the best factor combinations
and their interactions. To identify the optimal quantity of warming moxibustion Tianshu
(ST 25, bilateral) and Qihai (CV 6) to achieve optimal efficacy.
METHODS: An L9 (34) orthogonal design was applied to 233 confirmed subjects based
on the three most influential factors and the three most frequently used levels. Nine
programs were designed. Subjects were assigned to four subgroups according to age and
gender; each subject underwent one of the nine programs randomly. We selected Tianshu
(ST 25, bilateral) and Qihai (CV 6). The scores of symptoms and the IBS Quality of Life
(IBS-QOL) were evaluated after the final treatment.
RESULTS: After treatment, clinical symptoms of all patients were significantly
improved (P = 0.001). Quality of life also improved significantly (P < 0.05). For all the
participants, frequency was the dominating factor regarding symptoms (P = 0.01).
Duration was the dominating factor for quality of life (P =0.0001). The best combination
for improving symptoms in 30-40-year-old male and female patients was two courses of
10 min each once a day, and for 41-50-year-old male and female patients it was three
courses of 10 min (males) or 30 min (females) twice a day. The best combination for
quality of life was three courses of 20 min once a day. No interaction
was found between frequency and course, or frequency and duration.
CONCLUSION: Warming moxibustion Tianshu (ST 25, bilateral) and Qihai (CV 6) is a
promising therapy for D-IBS. To acquire optimal efficacy, the three main factors
(duration, frequency and treatment course) of the warming moxibustion should reach a
specific quantity and be combined appropriately.
“Effect of Jianpiyiqi Granule on Ocular Myasthenia Gravis in Children Prepared
with a Formula from Traditional Chinese Medicine” Qi Guoyan, et al; The Journal
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37(4): 546-553, 2017
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Jianpiyiqi granule, prepared according to a
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, on the ocular type of myasthenia gravis
(MG) caused by a defect in synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction.
METHODS: A total of 155 children with ocular MG were recruited from January 2008
to January 2015. All individuals received ineffective glucocorticoid treatment prior to
admission, and were given Jianpiyiqi granules (two doses per day) for 12 months. Plasma
levels of acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies (AChR-Ab), cytokines, immune
parameters and clinical score were analyzed.
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RESULTS: After intervention with Jianpiyiqi granule for 12 months, the levels of
cytokines [including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, IL-17], immune parameters [including
immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine] and AChR-Ab were
significantly decreased (P = 0.042, P = 0.049, P = 0.011, P = 0.02, P = 0.04, P = 0.03, P =
0.01; F = 21.60, P =0.000). In contrast, IL-4 levels were significantly increased (P =
0.049). The absolute clinical score after treatment declined significantly compared with
before treatment (F = 33.24, P = 0.000). The effective cure rate and the total effective rate
gradually increased to a maximum of 149 (96.2% ) and 151 (97.4% ) in MG patients after
12 months of treatment, respectively.
CONCLUSION: The Jianpiyiqi granule treatment lowered AChR-Ab levels and
improved cytokine and other immune parameter levels, which suggests that the granule
could be an ancillary treatment for ocular MG in children caused by a defect in synaptic
transmission at the neuromuscular junction.
“Effect of Transcutaneous Electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) on Refractory
Vomiting in Patients in Intensive Care Unit” Benoît Bataille, et al; The Journal of
Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37(4): 554-557, 2017
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) at
Neiguan (PC 6) on refractory vomiting in critically ill patients in intensive care (ICU)
setting.
METHODS: Ten patients admitted in ICU and presenting vomiting refractory to one or
more antiemetic drugs were prospectively included in the study. TEA was applied at
acupoint of Neiguan (PC 6) during 30 min with a neuromuscular transmission monitor
(single-twitch stimulation with 1 Hz at a constant current of 10 mA). Nausea and
Vomiting were evaluated at the following intervals: immediately after 30 min of TEA at
Neiguan (PC 6), 30 min-6h and 6-24 h. The presence of nausea and/or vomiting
throughout the observational period was defined as the primary end point.
RESULTS: The presence of nausea or vomiting throughout the observational period was
10% at
the end of TEA, 40% between 30 min and 6 h, and 50% between 30 min and 24 h (P <
0.001, P = 0.01 and P = 0.03 vs pre-TEA, respectively). There were no complications or
side effects related to TEA.
CONCLUSION: TEA at Neiguan (PC 6) seems effective in reducing refractory vomiting
in the patients in ICU setting, even if larger trials are needed to define optimal modalities.
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“Efficacy and Mechanisms of Chinese Medicine on the Modulation of Myocardial
Autophagy in Cardiovascular Disease” Yue-Ying Li and Yong-Hua Zhao; The
American J. of Chinese Medicine, 45(5): 917-932, 2017
Autophagy refers to the process in which the cellular lysosome degrades the cell’s own
damaged organelles and related macromolecule substances. It plays important roles in the
homeostasis of organs, cell survival, and stable development. Previous studies indicate
that the process of cardiopathology is closely associated with autophagy and some of
Chinese medicines (active compounds and formulae) are found to have beneficial effects
on injured cardiomyocytes via the modulation of autophagy. This review highlights the
efficacy of the action of Chinese medicine on the regulation of myocardial autophagy and
summarizes the related molecular and signal mechanisms. Our study discovers that some
active compounds and formulae of Chinese medicines react on the specific targets of
autophagy in related signal pathways to exert protective effects in the processes of
ischemia and reperfusion, as well as, in other cardiopathological models. Parts of these
compounds even have the characteristics of multiple targets in autophagic signal
pathways and dual-directional regulated actions on autophagy, suggesting that Chinese
medicines, which possess the ability to modulate autophagy, might improve effective
cardio protection in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
“Electro-Acupuncture is Beneficial for Knee Osteoarthritis: The Evidence from
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials” Na Chen, et al; The American J. of
Chinese Medicine, 45(5): 965-985, 2017
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic degenerative disease of the elderly.
Electro-acupuncture (EA) is considered as a beneficial treatment for KOA, but the
conclusion is controversial. This systematic review compiled the evidence from 11
randomized controlled trials to objectively assess the effectiveness and safety of EA for
KOA. Eight databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Clinic trials, Foreign
Medical Literature Retrial Service (FMRS), Science Direct, China National Knowledge
Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Data
were extensively searched up to 5 July 2016. The outcomes included the evaluation of
effectiveness, pain and physical function. Risk of bias was evaluated according to the
Cochrane risk of bias tool. Eleven RCTs with 695 participants were included. Meta-
analysis indicated that EA was more effective than pharmacological treatment (RR = =
1.14; 95% CI = = 1.01,1.28; P=0.03 P=0.03) and manual acupuncture (RR = = 1.12; 95%
CI = = 1.02,1.22; P=0.02 P=0.02). Also, EA had a more significant effect in reducing the
pain intensity (SMD =−1.11 =−1.11; 95% CI =−1.33,−0.88 =−1.33,−0.88;
P<0.00001 P<0.00001) and improving the physical function in the perspective of
WOMAC (MD =−9.81 =−9.81; 95% CI =−14.05 =−14.05, 5.56; P<0.00001 P<0.00001)
and LKSS (pharmacological treatment: MD =5.08 =5.08; 95% CI =3.52 =3.52, 6.64;
P<0.00001 P<0.00001). Furthermore, these studies implied that EA should be performed
for at least 4 weeks. Conclusively, the results indicate that EA is a great opportunity to
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remarkably alleviate the pain and improve the physical function of KOA patients with a
low risk of adverse reaction. Therefore, more high quality RCTs with rigorous methods of
design, measurement and evaluation are needed to confirm the long-term effects of EA
for KOA.
“A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Acupressure for Postoperative
Gastrointestinal Symptoms among Abdominal Surgery Patients” Yunhong Liu, et al;
The American J. of Chinese Medicine, 45(6): 1127-1145, 2017
Postoperative ileus is a common and often life-threatening gastrointestinal complication
with few management methods available for patients. Integrating acupressure into
perioperative care promises to bring benefits into preventing postoperative ileus. This
systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupressure in
identifying the signs and symptoms of postoperative ileus among patients undergoing
abdominal surgery. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, China Journal
Net and Wanfang databases were searched for high-quality RCTs using keywords such as
acupressure, postoperative ileus, abdominal surgery, etc. A total of six studies
(N=894 N=894) were included in this review and meta-analysis. The quality of the
literature was found to be uniformly moderate by the Effective Public Health Practice
Project (EPHPP) assessment tool. The results of meta-analyses revealed that acupressure
could significantly reduce risks for postoperative nausea (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39–0.70,
P<0.0001 P<0.0001) and vomiting (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.39–0.75, P<0.001 P<0.001)
compared with the control group, without significant heterogeneity among studies. Meta-
analysis of the need for antiemetic drugs suggested that the OR was 0.39 (95% CI 0.20–
0.78, P<0.01 P<0.01) with significant heterogeneity among studies. Our results suggested
that acupressure might be effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative nausea and
vomiting and the need for antiemetic drugs among patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Considering the substantial risk of bias in the articles included, future high-quality RCTs
with a rigorous methodology are desirable to provide solid evidence. Furthermore, other
signs and symptoms of postoperative ileus should be explored in future.
“Ginseng on Nuclear Hormone Receptors” Joonwoo Park, et al; The American J. of
Chinese Medicine, 45(6): 1147-1156, 2017
The first record of ginseng use dates back over two millennia, and ginseng is now popular
in more than 35 countries. Ginsenosides are the pharmacological constituents responsible
for the beneficial effects of ginseng. There is increasing evidence that ginseng and its
bioactive ingredients are involved in the regulation of nuclear receptors, molecules that
act in response to the specific binding of hormones, which link to a diverse array of
signaling pathways, such as the ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. Knowledge of the
mechanism of how ginseng mediates these complexes is essential for the development of
multi-target phytomedicine as possible therapy for different diseases. Here, we discuss the
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literature on the effects of ginseng and its constituents on estrogen, glucocorticoid,
peroxisome proliferator-activated, and androgen nuclear hormone receptors, as well as
how ginseng and its constituents exert their biological function in the treatment of cancer,
obesity, and cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The accumulated results definitely
show that the nuclear receptors are cellular targets of ginsenosides, but more rigorous data
are required to establish and provide a scientific basis to confirm the suggested efficacy of
ginseng or products with ginsenosides.
“Anti-Inflammatory and Immunostimulatory Activities of Astragalosides” Yan Qi,
et al; The American J. of Chinese Medicine, 45(6): 1157-1167, 2017
Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge (Huang-Qi) is a well-known herbal medicine with
tonic property and has been widely used to treat cancer and other immune disorders in
China and Southeast Asia for thousands of years. Accumulating evidence suggests that
Huang-Qi possesses both immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory/immune-regulatory
effects clinically, leaving the mechanism elusive. Recently, we discovered that
Astragaloside (ASI), a major active component of Huang-Qi, is able to increase CD45
phosphatase activity. In this paper, we reviewed the recent progress of ASIs in
immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, including the induction of T-cell
activation, regulation of effector/regulatory T-cell balance, enhancement of CD45
phosphatase activity, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine and, NF-κ κB pathway.
Finally, we hypothesized that inducing interferon-γ γ (IFN-γ γ) activity by activating
CD45 protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) may be involved in the protective role of
ASI in two contrary immune-associated diseases. These pharmacological properties
highlight the traditional uses of Astragalus and provide a new direction for subsequent
research and the clinical application of this traditional herbal.
“Brief Introduction to Professor Gao Wei-bin’s Needling Technique of ‘Ten
Acupuncture Skills’ ” Shuang-ling Liu & Wei-bin Gao; Journal of Acupuncture and
Tuina Science, 15(3): 204-208, 2017
‘Ten Acupuncture Skills’ refers to ten types of needling techniques for difficult and
intractable neurological diseases. It has been summarized by Prof. Gao Wei-bin, a famous
traditional Chinese medicine expert in China, based upon his clinical experience for years,
including neck acupuncture for bulbar palsy, neck acupuncture for laryngeal muscular
paralysis, stuck needling technique for ocular muscular paralysis, electric field therapy at
Jiaji (EX-B 2) points for incomplete spinal paraplegia, electroacupuncture (EA) for
urination disorder, electric neck acupuncture for waking up and treating various cerebral
and nuchal diseases, EA at Jiaji (EX-B 2) points for intractable hiccup, EA at Jiaji (EX-B
2) points for cervical and lumbar spondylopathy, antagonistic EA for post-apoplectic
hemiplegia, and EA for facial paralysis. The ten acupuncture skills are summarized in
order to guide the clinical application.
16
“Clinical Observation of Auricular Acupoint Therapy for Pain in Early-stage
Extremity Trauma” Jie Yu & Qing-zhong Li; Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina
Science, 15(3): 219-222, 2017
Objective: To observe the efficacy of auricular acupoint sticking based on conventional
treatment in treating pain in early-stage extremity trauma.
Methods: A hundred eligible patients with acute soft tissue injury or acute closed fracture
were randomized into an observation group and a control group by their admission
sequence, 50 cases in each group. The two groups both received routine management
including routine checking, external fixing, traction, raising up the affected limb, etc., as
well as cold compress with Chinese medication (Xiao Zhong Zhi Tong Powder). In
addition to the routine management, the control group was given oral administration of
amidopyrine and phenacetin compound tablet, 1 tablet per dose, twice a day, which was
then taken only when necessary or terminated after pain subsided. The observation group
was given auricular acupoint sticking in addition to the routine management. The two
groups were compared in terms of numerical rating scale (NRS) score, therapeutic
efficacy and adverse reactions after pain was relieved.
Results: After the intervention, the NRS scores dropped significantly in both groups
(P<0.01); the NRS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the
control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was superior to
that in the control group (P<0.05). There were no severe adverse reactions in the two
groups.
Conclusion: Based on routine management, auricular acupoint sticking can produce a
more significant efficacy in treating pain in early-stage extremity trauma compared to
amidopyrine and phenacetin compound tablet; it can effectively reduce pain of the
affected limb and prevent complications; it’s easy-to-operate and safe; patients can learn
and understand it easily; its efficacy is confirmed; it enhances the satisfaction degree of
the inpatients. Therefore, this method is worth promoting in clinic.
“How to Utilize Basal Body Temperature (BBT) when Treating Fertility According
to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)” Dongyun Liang; International J. of Clinical
Acupuncture, 26(1): 37–45, 2017.
Monitoring Basal Body Temperature (BBT) for many years during clinical practice, the
author acquired certain knowledge of how fluctuations in a woman’s BBT during the
menstrual cycle relates to fertility treatment with Chinese Medicine. In this article,
Donyun Liangex plains these changes according to eight principle syndrome
differentiation found within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. The
information shared may provide insight and guidance for maximizing clinical
effectiveness when treating infertility.
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